声 — meaning in English: voice

koe · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for voice

いいえ

iie

声

koe

暴行

bōkō

デメリット

demeritto

哲学

tetsugaku

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 声 (koe) in a variety of contexts, such as when expressing emotions through singing, talking, or even during intimate conversations. For instance, you might hear a friend say, 'Your 声 is so beautiful when you sing!' during a karaoke session, reflecting the word's significance in personal interactions.

Synonyms & nuances

While 声 (koe) specifically refers to 'voice', the word 音 (oto) means 'sound' more generally. You would use 声 when talking about human or animal vocalizations, while 音 might be used for sounds made by objects, like music or nature.

Culture

The word 声 (koe) has deep cultural significance in Japan, particularly in the context of traditional performing arts like Noh and Kabuki, where the nuances of voice can convey a wide array of emotions. Interestingly, in Japanese folklore, a person's 声 can be seen as an extension of their spirit, with some tales suggesting that a beautiful voice is a sign of a good character.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 声 in Japanese?

声 is pronounced as 'koe' in Japanese. It's a two-syllable word with a long vowel sound, often pronounced with a smooth and flowing intonation.

Q.Can 声 be used in different contexts?

Yes, 声 can be used in various contexts, such as expressing joy, sorrow, or even fear. It can describe a person's voice in everyday conversation or refer to the voice of a character in a story.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 声?

A common mistake is using 声 when referring to non-human sounds. Remember that 声 specifically refers to voices, so for general sounds, use 音 (oto) instead.

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